New York, 28 September 2026 — The United Nations General Assembly is holding a high-level meeting today to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), the international framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

The commemoration, convened by the President of the General Assembly, runs in morning and afternoon sessions and is among the final high-level events of the 81st session's High-Level Week, which began with the General Debate on 22 September.

A quarter-century later, supporters say the framework remains relevant amid:

The Durban process has also been divisive. The 2001 conference was marked by walkouts, and several countries boycotted later commemorations, including the 20th anniversary meeting in 2021, citing concerns about the conference's history. Supporters argue the Declaration's core commitments against racism deserve universal backing.

The UN proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024) and has since proclaimed a second International Decade to continue the work.

Statements from member states and civil society are expected to feed into ongoing UN work on racial equality, including follow-up mechanisms established after Durban.

Source: United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week 2026 programme; Office of the President of the General Assembly.